Fight Flu With These Five Food Boosters!

Each of us is exposed to different viruses and bacteria in our surroundings every day (and even at home). These can cause common sicknesses and diseases. Our body has a natural way to fight these viruses, they are called antibodies. But what if the antibodies are not strong enough as well as our immune system? 

Chances are, they could lose the fight.

The essential nutrients in our bodies are not naturally produced. Micronutrient deficiency causes our immune system to fail. Rather than taking pills to fill up the gap, choose flu-fighting nutrients that can be found in various foods.

Here are five superfoods that can help you boost your immune system:

Spinach

Ever wonder why and how Popeye defeats Brutus? His not-so-secret food booster is Spinach. This low-calorie dark leafy green is named a superfood due to its high content of minerals and vitamins such as folate, vitamins A and C, iron, fiber, and magnesium. 

The essential nutrients found in spinach help with DNA repair. It also contains numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which fights infections and boosts immune systems.

It is edible even uncooked, but like broccoli, it is way healthier when cooked. 

Commonly seen as a salad but you can also incorporate it into other meals.

Other health benefits include bone improvement, cancer prevention, and help lower glucose levels for diabetics. 

It is highly recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure. Also, it helps prevent hair loss.

Sunflower Seeds

One of the micronutrients that are essential to boost our immune system is vitamin E. Most of it can be found in nuts and seeds. One of those is sunflower seed.

Sunflower seed makes a popular snack pack. It can be mixed in a multi-grain bread and commonly in nutrition bars and contains healthy fats. Studies show that the plant compound in sunflower seeds reduces chronic inflammation which factors in several other chronic diseases. It has five times more anti-inflammatory benefits than chia seeds and hemp. 

Selenium which is also found in sunflower seeds also contributes to fighting body inflammation and infection. But aside from that, this mineral helps to improve mental health and lowers the risks of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Shellfish

Minerals found by eating shellfish are essential in boosting our body’s immune system. 

This low-calorie high-protein food booster promotes a healthy heart and a healthy brain function due to its omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 elements. It is the best dietary source of protein so far because it has a high content of amino acids. 

Some kinds of shellfish like oysters, clams, shrimp, and mussels are loaded with immune-boosting zinc. Zinc which is often a neglected mineral is essential in our healthy brain and boosts our immune cells to function as intended. 

Choose to boil shellfish rather than fry to maintain its minimal fat level. 

But note that, 

you should be mindful to know if you have allergies on these.

Broccoli

Vitamin C is not only limited to fruits such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries. Believe it or not the cruciferous vegetable broccoli, as green as it looks, contains as much vitamin C as an orange. 

Broccoli is known to be a nutrient powerhouse in supporting our immune system. Aside from the richness of vitamin C, it also contains fiber that helps to regulate your digestive tract and promotes a lower risk of colon cancer. 

It is also a good source of potassium, which helps your body to prevent health issues such as cardiovascular problems and anemia. 

Another healthy compound that it offers is it is rich in antioxidants to nurture your cells against free radicals and fights the symptoms of common colds.

Garlic

Garlic is known to combat common sicknesses, especially colds. 

It is often used for medical purposes because it supplements a boosting factor in our immune system. It is highly incorporated in flu-fighting meals because it has antibacterial properties. Some scientists believe that it is also because of the sulfur compound that is formed when chopped or chewed. Though it happens to have a low-calorie level, it is high in nutrients such as manganese, Vitamin B6, fiber, and decent amounts of various nutrients which is almost all of what our body needs. 

Some studies also show that garlic substance enhances a person’s athletic performance and is able to lessen fatigue.

Aside from roasting garlic in olive oil or in butter, try to put it in hot water and make tea.

There are many other superfoods available in boosting our immune system. Rather than junk foods, support your body with these healthy boosters and back it up with regular exercises and other habits to keep yourself fit and healthy. 

Know its good benefits on your overall wellness. Keep your defence up in fighting the flu!